'Bruised but never broken': community host fundraiser for Stourbridge fire victims
This weekend will mark one mark since the horrific wildfires in the town
The Stourbridge community is coming together to raise money and show support for the people impacted by the devastating wildfires that shocked the town.
On August 13, 19 homes were destroyed and a further 18 damaged when two accidental fires became out of control.
Now, almost a month on, local fundraiser Ian Henley, along with the team at Katie Fitzgerald's bar, are hosting a benefit tonight (September 11) to raise money for the dedicated crowd funder page ran by local community interest company, The Fine Collective.
So far, over £13,000 has been raised to go directly to the people impacted by the blaze.
"The way I look at, if someone needs help, and you can help them, why would you not help them?" said Ian, the brains behind the fundraiser.
"It's just simple isn't it really - it's a no brainer."
The evening will feature a raffle and live music from an eclectic mix of local talent, with all proceeds going to the crowd funder.
Ian said: "People haven't just lost their houses, they've lost everything - all their memoires, all their possessions.
"Some people got out of their houses with the clothes on their back.
"Hopefully these people who have nothing now will have something as a result of this benefit."
Ian said he initially tested the waters on Facebook to see if the Stourbridge community would be interested in a charity benefit, and was overwhelmed with the supportive responses.
"We gave the fundraiser a name," Ian added,
"Stourbridge: bruised but never broken - it's a simple message that it doesn't matter how adverse as thing get, we're never going to have our spirit broken and the community spirit will always stand strong."